High-density multi-layer optical disc and method for managing layer formatting thereof

ABSTRACT

A high-density multi-layer optical disc and a method for managing layer formatting thereof. A high-density multi-layer optical disc such as a Blu-ray disc rewittable (BD-RE) dual layer includes management information, additionally recorded in a lead-in area, needed for identifying formatting status of a plurality of recording layers. After the management information is referred to, at least one unformatted recording layer is automatically formatted. Optionally, the unformatted recording layer is formatted on the basis of a formatting method selected by a user. The multiple recording layers formed on the high-density multi-layer optical disc can be conveniently and effectively formatted.

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a high-density multi-layer optical discon which multiple layers are formed and a method for managing layerformatting thereof.

2. BACKGROUND ART

As standardization of a high-density rewritable optical disc, e.g., aBlu-ray disc rewritable (BD-RE), capable of storing high-quality videoand audio is rapidly progressed, it is expected that related productswill be developed, commercialized and supplied.

A conventional BD-RE single layer 100 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 1, there is a distance of approximately 0.1 mm between a recordinglayer and the surface of a transparent film being arranged between therecording layer and an objective lens (OL) 11 of an optical pick-up.

When an optical disc apparatus for reading and reproducing data recordedon the recording layer of the BD-RE single layer 100 or recording datathereon determines that a defect is detected on the layer 100 whileperforming a data recording operation, the optical disc apparatusrecords the data in an inner spare area (ISA) or outer spare area (OSA)separately assigned to a data area as shown in FIG. 2, in place of adata area.

Further, the optical disc apparatus generates a defect list (DFL) entryneeded for identifying a cluster associated with a recording unit block(RUB) recorded in the spare area in place of a data area, and performs arecording and management operation for the generated DFL entry.

As shown in FIG. 2, management information associated with the spareareas and defects is contained and recorded in a field of rewritabledisc definition structure (DDS) information of a lead-in area. The DDSinformation includes information items associated with the firstphysical sector number (PSN) of the DFL (P_DFL) a location of a logicalsector number (LSN) 0 of a user data area, the last LSN of the user dataarea, a size of the ISA (ISA size), a size of the OSA (OSA size), sparearea full flags indicating whether or not the respective spare areas arefull, etc.

As described above, when the defect is detected in the data area whilethe optical disc apparatus records data in the data area, the opticaldisc apparatus searches for the spare area full flags contained andrecorded in the DDS information field, selects the ISA or OSA in whichthe data can be recorded, and performs a sequence of data recordingoperations for recording the data in the selected spare area.

The recording layer of the BD-RE single layer 100 must be previouslyformatted so that the data can be recorded on the recording layer. Thelayer formatting method includes a general formatting method requiring along formatting time, a recently proposed background formatting method,etc. Here, the background formatting method is that a formattingoperation is performed automatically when or whenever the recording orreproducing device is idle, and stores information associated with thelocation of a formatted area until a time point when a data recordingrequest is received from a user, thereby enabling the data,corresponding to the data recording request, to be recorded in theformatted area until the time point.

A high-density multi-layer optical disc, i.e., a BD-RE dual layer,capable of recording twice as much video and audio data as the BD-REsingle layer, has been developed. As shown in FIG. 3, there is adistance d2 between the first recording layer (Layer 0) and the secondrecording layer (Layer 1) formed in the BD-RE dual layer 200. The firstand second recording layers are formed at a location, within the BD-REdual layer 200, having a bias toward the OL 11 of the optical pick-up.

The ISA and OSA are separately assigned to each of data areas associatedwith the first and second recording layers of the BD-RE dual layer 200.The first and second recording layers can be linked to each other sothat large-capacity data can be recorded. However, there is not yetprovided a method for effectively formatting the first and secondrecording layers provided in the BD-RE dual layer 200.

3. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Therefore, it is one object of the present invention to provide ahigh-density multi-layer optical disc such as a Blu-ray disc rewritable(BD-RE) dual layer and a method for managing layer formatting thereof,which can record and manage management information needed foridentifying formatting status associated with multiple recording layersformed on the disc and automatically perform a formatting operation ofan unformatted recording layer, or perform the formatting operation inresponse to a user's selection.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the above andother objects can be accomplished by the provision of a high-densitymulti-layer optical disc, comprising: a plurality of recording layersformed thereon; and management information, additionally recorded in aspecified area thereof, needed for identifying formatting status of therecording layers.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for managing layer formatting of a high-densitymulti-layer optical disc, comprising the steps of: (a) readingmanagement information indicating formatting status of recording layers,while the management information being recorded in a specified area ofthe high-density multi-layer optical disc; (b) determining formattingstatus of recording layers based on the read management information; and(c) performing a formatting operation automatically or in response to auser's selection for at least one unformatted recording layer accordingto a result of the determination.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, illustrate the preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating the structure of a conventional Blu-raydisc rewritable (BD-RE);

FIG. 2 is a table illustrating disc definition structure (DDS)information recorded and managed in a lead-in area of the conventionalBD-RE;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the structure of a high-density dual-layeroptical disc;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state where disc definition structure(DDS) information is contained in a lead-in area of the high-densitydual-layer optical disc in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating the DDS information recorded and managedin the lead-in area of the high-density dual-layer optical disc inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the configuration of an optical discapparatus to which a method for managing layer formatting of ahigh-density multi-layer optical disc is applied in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating the method for managinglayer formatting of a high-density multi-layer optical disc inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an image of an on-screen display (OSD)displayed by the method for managing layer formatting of a high-densitymulti-layer optical disc in accordance with the present invention.

Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced bythe same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent,or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or moreembodiments.

5. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A high-density multi-layer optical disc and a method for managing layerformatting thereof in accordance with preferred embodiments of thepresent invention will be described in detail with reference to theannexed drawings.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state where disc definition structure(DDS) information is contained in a lead-in area of a high-densitydual-layer optical disc in accordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lead-in area is assigned to the first recordinglayer (Layer 0) and a lead-out area is assigned to the second recordinglayer (Layer 1) in a high-density multi-layer optical disc, e.g., aBlu-ray disc rewritable (BD-RE) dual layer 200, in accordance with thepresent invention. The first inner spare area (ISA) (ISA0) and firstouter spare area (OSA0) 1 are separately assigned to a data area for thefirst recording layer. The second ISA (ISA1) and second OSA (OSA1) areseparately assigned to a data area for the second recording layer.

Management information needed for managing a plurality of spare areasseparately assigned to the data area for each recording layer and defectmanagement address (DMA) information needed for managing a defect arerewritable disc definition structure (DDS) information. The rewritableDDS information can be recorded and managed in the lead-in area of thefirst recording layer. The DDS information can include formatting statusinformation needed for identifying the formatting status of the firstand second recording layers. Also, the DDS information can include thelast verified address (LVA) pointer for each layer. The LVA pointer canspecify the first physical sector number (PSN) for the last cluster thathas been formatted by a formatting operation. This pointers are onlyvalid when the disc has been partially formatted and when a formattingoperation is in progress.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating the DDS information recorded and managedin the lead-in area of the high-density dual-layer optical disc inaccordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the DDS information includes information itemsassociated with the first physical sector number (PSN) of a defect list(DFL) (P_DFL)., a location of a logical sector number (LSN) 0 of a userdata area, the last LSN of the user data area, a size of the first ISA(ISA0_size) for the first recording layer, a size of the second ISA(ISA1_size) for the second recording layer, a size of the first OSA(OSA0_size) for the first recording layer, a size of the second OSA(OSA1_size) for the second recording layer, spare area full flagsindicating whether or not the respective spare areas are full, theformatting status information (Formatting_Status_Info.) having thepredetermined number of bits, last verified address (LVA) pointer forthe first recording layer, and last verified address (LVA) pointer forthe second recording layer.

For example, where Formatting_Status_Info. =“00”, the 2-bit formattingstatus information indicates the status in which the first and secondrecording layers are not formatted. Where Formatting_Status_Info. =“01”,the 2-bit formatting status information indicates the status in whichonly the first recording layer is formatted. WhereFormatting_Status_Info. =“10”, the 2-bit formatting status informationindicates the status in which only the second recording layer isformatted. Where Formatting_Status_Info. “11”, the 2-bit formattingstatus information indicates the status in which the first and secondrecording layers are formatted.

A recording layer indicated as unformatted by Formatting_Status_Info.can be a partially formatted layer. And if a recording layer has beenpartially formatted, the first physical sector number (PSN) of the lastcluster that has been formatted can be written in the last verifiedaddress (LVA) pointer for the recording layer. So a formatting operationfor a partially formatted recording layer could be continued from thePSN of the LVA pointer for the partially formatted recording layer.

The optical disc apparatus searches for and confirms the formattingstatus information. The optical disc apparatus determines whether therespective recording layers of the BD-RE dual layer 200 loaded in theapparatus are formatted to record the data. According to a result of thedetermination, the optical disc apparatus automatically formats anunformatted recording layer using a predetermined formatting method,e.g., a background formatting method, or performs a series of formattingoperations using a formatting method selected or designated by the user.The above-described procedure will be described in detail.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a configuration of the optical discapparatus to which the method for managing layer formatting of ahigh-density multi-layer optical disc is applied in accordance with thepresent invention. For example, an optical disc apparatus such as avideo disc recorder (VDR) for recording or reproducing data of a BD-REdual layer includes an optical pick-up 50 for reading data recorded on ahigh-density multi-layer optical disc 200 such as the BD-RE dual layeror recording a data stream corresponding to a processed signal; a VDRsystem 51 for performing a signal processing operation so that a signalof the data read by the optical pick-up 50 can be reproduced orconverting an externally inputted data stream into a data streamappropriate for recording; and an encoder 52 for encoding an externallyinputted analog signal and outputting the encoded analog signal to theVDR system 51.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating the method for managinglayer formatting of a high-density multi-layer optical disc inaccordance with the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, where the high-density multi-layer opticaldisc, e.g., the BD-RE dual layer 200, is inserted and loaded in the VDRsystem 51 of the optical disc apparatus, a sequence of optical discloading operations is performed and a lead-in area of the optical discis accessed at step S10.

Then, the VDR system 51 reads disc information (DI) and disc definitionstructure (DDS) information recorded in the lead-in area and then storesthe read information in an internal memory (not shown) provided in theoptical disc apparatus at step S11. At this time, the DDS informationcontaining formatting-status information is stored in the memory at theabove step S11. Then, the VDR system 51 confirms the formatting statusinformation at step S12. Where the formatting status information(Formatting_Status_Info.)=“00”, the VDR system 51 determines that thefirst and second recording layers of the BD-RE dual layer 200 are notformatted at step S14.

For example, an image of an on-screen display (OSD) containing a messageindicating that the first and second recording layers are not formatted,a selection menu for allowing the user to select the first recordinglayer and/or the second recording layer to be formatted, etc., isdisplayed through the screen of a television coupled to the optical discapparatus at step S15.

The VDR system 51 performs a formatting operation for the firstrecording layer and/or the second recording layer selected by the userat step S16. At this time, the formatting operation is based on ageneral formatting method or a background formatting method.

Then, the VDR system 51 can appropriately perform a data recordingoperation for recording data on the formatted first recording layerand/or second recording layer in response to the user's request at stepS17.

On the other hand, where the formatting status information(Formatting_Status_Info.)=“01” at step S20, the VDR system 51 determinesthat only the first recording layer of the BD-RE dual layer 200 isformatted at step S21.

Then, the VDR system 51 automatically performs the formatting operationfor the unformatted second recording layer using the predeterminedbackground formatting method at step S23.

Then, the VDR system 51 can appropriately perform the data recordingoperation for recording the data on the formatted first or secondrecording layer in response to the user's request at the above step S17.

On the other hand, where the formatting status information(Formatting_Status_Info.)=“10” at step S30, the VDR system 51 determinesthat only the second recording layer of the BD-RE dual layer 200 isformatted at step S31. Then, the VDR system 51 automatically performsthe formatting operation for the unformatted first recording layer usingthe predetermined background formatting method at step S32. Then, theVDR system 51 appropriately performs the data recording operation forrecording the data on the formatted first or second recording inresponse to the user's-request layer at step S33.

On the other hand, where the formatting status information(Formatting_Status_Info.)=“11”, the VDR system 51 determines that thefirst and second recording layers of the BD-RE dual layer 200 areformatted at step S40. Then, the VDR system 51 can perform the datarecording operation in response to the user's request withoutadditionally performing the formatting operation at the above step S33.

Meanwhile, a partially formatted recoding layer indicated as unformattedby the Formatting_Status_Info. can be formatted from the PSN of the LVApointer for the partially formatted recording layer. The formattingoperation for the partially formatted recording layers can be continuedfrom the PSN of the LVA pointer for the partially formatted recordinglayers at the above steps S16, S23, and S32.

As apparent from the above description, the present invention provides ahigh-density multi-layer optical disc and a method for managing layerformatting thereof, which can conveniently and effectively formatmultiple recording layers formed on the high-density multi-layer opticaldisc.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosedfor illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatvarious modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in theaccompanying claims.

1. A high-density multi-layer optical disc, comprising: a plurality ofrecording layers formed thereon; and management information,additionally recorded in a specified area thereof, needed foridentifying formatting status of the recording layers.
 2. Thehigh-density multi-layer optical disc as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe management information is recorded in disc definition structure(DDS) information contained in the lead-in area.
 3. The high-densitymulti-layer optical disc as set forth in claim 2, wherein the managementinformation consists of the predetermined number of bits indicating theformatting status of the recording layers.
 4. The high-densitymulti-layer optical disc as set forth in claim 2, wherein the managementinformation comprises the status information indicating that none offirst and second recording layers are formatted, or only the first orsecond recording layer is formatted, or all of the first and secondrecording layers are formatted, if the high-density multi-layer opticaldisc is a dual-layer optical disc.
 5. The high-density multi-layeroptical disc as set forth in claim 1, further comprises positioninformation for respective recording layers, while the positioninformation specifying a first physical sector number (PSN) of the lastunit that has been formatted.
 6. A method for managing layer formattingof a high-density multi-layer optical disc, comprising the steps of: (a)reading management information indicating formatting status of recordinglayers, while the management information being recorded in a specifiedarea of the high-density multi-layer optical disc; (b) determiningformatting status of recording layers based on the read managementinformation; and (c) performing a formatting operation automatically orin response to a user's selection for at least one unformatted recordinglayer according to a result of the determination.
 7. The method as setforth in claim 6, wherein the step (a) comprises the steps of: (a-1)searching for disc definition structure (DDS) information contained inthe lead-in area of the high-density multi-layer optical disc; and (a-2)reading the management information indicating formatting status ofrecording layers, while the management information having thepredetermined number of bits recorded in the DDS information; and
 8. Themethod as set forth in claim 6, wherein the step (c) is carried out byautomatically performing a formatting operation for said at least oneunformatted recording layer using a predetermined formatting method, ifsaid at least one unformatted recording layer exists as the result ofthe determination.
 9. The method as set forth in claim 8, wherein thepredetermined formatting method is a background formatting method. 10.The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein the step (c) is carried outby generating and outputting an image of an on-screen display (OSD)indicating that all recording layers are not formatted if none of therecording layers are formatted as the result of the determination, andperforming the formatting operation in response to the user's selection.11. The method as set forth in claim 10, wherein the OSD image comprisesa selection menu for allowing the user to select said at least oneunformatted recording layer to be formatted and a formatting method. 12.The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein the step (a) furthercomprises the step of reading position information for respectiverecording layers, while the position information specifying a firstphysical sector number of the last unit that has been formatted.
 13. Themethod as set forth in claim 12, wherein the step (c) is carried out bycontinuing a formatting operation for said at least one unformattedrecording layer from the PSN contained in the read position information.